4 Things I Learned From Being A Travel Blogger

When I started my blog, A Wanderful Sole, I never thought about calling myself a blogger as I was simply trying to share a glimpse of my travel adventures and create something that would remind me how I lived. To me, my blog was merely an online journal, and never have I ever dreamed of it becoming anything more than that. Only when one opportunity after another came knocking so suddenly at my doorsteps that I opened myself to possibilities. Turning a passion into a job that actually pays well was one and enjoying a hobby without compromising my future was another. I thought that was all there is to it. But as time passed by, I realized that being a travel blogger is so much more than just being paid for doing what I love. Yes, there are definitely perks but the responsibilities are even bigger. Let me share with you the 4 things that I learned from being a travel blogger.

—I Learned To Be Empathetic

My early days being a travel blogger was all about counting the places I’ve visited and ticking off my bucket list. Most of my posts only included the basics such as transportation, budget, and itinerary. Only after I traveled farther and immersed myself into various cultures did I get a deeper understanding of our differences, not just in our traditions and beliefs but also in our privileges. This doesn’t automatically equate to people in remote areas being less fortunate as some would usually think. I’m pertaining to things that really matter and trying to leave as less of an impact as I possibly could to affect these things.

Most people who grew up in the city and those who were exposed to a world filled with technology tend to assume that those in secluded areas are missing out and are deprived or poor. This is the kind of mindset I always want to deter from. Instead, I keep an open mind and keenly observe the communities I get to interact with during my trips in the hopes of figuring out what I can contribute to improving their way of living. It baffles me every time to learn that other than access to better healthcare facilities and education, they seem to be content and happy. This reality never failed to hit me hard and has always encouraged me to discard all of my inhibitions so I could relate to them effectively.

—I Learned To Be Responsible With How I Use My Influence

What started as merely a hobby now puts me in a spot where I always have to be mindful of what I say and do. After years of sharing my travel life online and slowly gaining traction, the fact that I am an “influencer” came slapping me in the face with cold water. I didn’t give it much thought at first because I wasn’t really feeling it. Like, I look at my numbers and they’re not even that significant as compared to real influencers. But seeing that a good number of people actually follow me and believe in me, all of a sudden, urged me to get my act together. I know because I also follow celebrities and people with influence and I have expectations too.

Knowing that what I put out there could actually affect people and sway them in certain ways has always made me reevaluate my content. It got me reconsidering my choice of words or whether or not a certain post would be beneficial or would add value to those who will get to read it. It is for this reason that I tend to deviate from indulging in politics, religion, and other related topics without thorough research to prevent unhealthy discourse and instead, promote informative discussions.

—I Learned To Always Be Real And Truthful

Being a blogger, I’m expected to conduct myself in a certain way but this doesn’t mean becoming a person other than myself. One of the most important things I learned from sharing my travels online is to always be real. Just like writing all my trips as truthfully as possible, without omitting details that most people would find far from being ideal, I also hate presenting a version of me that’s far from the truth. I’d rather lose followers at exposing my flaws and imperfections than being loved for something that I’m not.

—I Learned To Uphold My Values

Traveling made me appreciate the world we live in more. It made me fall deeply in love with nature, the oceans, the mountains, and every creature that lives in them. So in order to help save and protect them, I swore to lessen my use of plastic and avert from consuming products that are deemed harmful to the environment. Trading my sanitary napkins for a menstrual cup, bringing reusable water bottles, and using reef-safe products are just some of the measures I have taken to stick to this decision. I’ve also declined offers supporting and promoting products that are against my values.

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There you have it, lovelies. My journey of being a travel blogger is far from over and I’m pretty sure I’d still learn a thing or two as I go along. Let me know what you think in the comments. Until next time. See you!